Start here
How to Use a Bandsaw for Accurate Cuts and Angles
Learn how blade tension, guide settings, table tilt and resawing affect a bandsaw cut, with practical setup checks for straight, accurate results.
Saws and Sanding
Saw Techniques
How to use bandsaws, jigsaws, miter saws and reciprocating saws.
How to Use a Jigsaw for Curved Cuts and Angles
Steer a jigsaw through tight and gentle curves, pick the right blade for small radii, and set up the shoe for clean bevel cuts without bending the blade.
How to Use a Jigsaw Like a Pro
Good jigsaw habits: orbital setting, speed, clamping and blade choice that cut down on splintered faces, wandering blades and rough edges.
How to Use a Miter Saw for Accurate Angles and Cuts
Set and check miter and bevel angles, use stops to repeat identical cuts, and keep a miter saw square so joints close tightly the first time.
How to Use a Reciprocating Saw Like a Pro
Brace the shoe, start plunge cuts carefully and choose the right blade for cutting in tight spots with a reciprocating saw, with safety points throughout.
Related topics
More in saws and sanding
Saws How to choose and safely use hand saws and power saws. Sanders and Sandpaper Pick the right sander and abrasive for the job. Router Projects Projects and plans built around routers and router tables. Projects by Tool Project ideas organized by the main tool they need. Router, Planer and Sander Techniques How to get clean results from shaping and smoothing tools. Cordless Cutting and Routing Benefits Why cordless jigsaws, routers, sanders and oscillating tools suit certain jobs. Saw and Router Trade-offs Strengths and limits of reciprocating saws, circular saws and routers. Jigsaws, Planers and Circular Saws Ratings-style guides to precise cutting and shaping tools. Saw Bestseller Lists Selection criteria behind popular saw, blade and accessory lists. Planer and Router Bestsellers What to weigh in planer, router bit and router table lists. Wood Joinery How common wood joints work and which tools cut them.